The Fuji Racer, later “updated” with the honest and somewhat humorous moniker — The Newest, was introduced in Japan in 1970 and began its first official USA iteration in 1971/1972. The 1971 (Japanese/American Catalog #1) has the first generation of the Newest build (which I refer to as the “1A”) sharing pages with the “Finest,” the “S10-S,” and the “1000.” Catalog #2, 1972, has the Newest and the Finest and the S10-S; however the 1000 is no longer listed. Instead a track machine, the “TRS” rounds out the offerings.

1971 and 1972 have the older style components and essentially support the magnificent Newest frame with nearly the same components as the Finest. In 1972 components began to change, but it is 1973 with the “1B” version that nearly every component of the bicycle is modified. From a distance the drilled chainrings are quite apparent, but it is not until one engages in closer inspection that the significance of the changes and upgrades become beneficially revealed. One seemingly hidden component, the Suntour Winner titanium alloy rear cog, is a marvel of unsung technology.

The marvelous and fairly stunning livery of orange and silver is not supplemented until 1977. So the 1A and 1B Newest had a fairly decent six year run. In 1975 the Newest had to take second position to the Pro, but it still stood a touch above the “Ace” — wherein Fuji introduced an all Dura-Ace model. (Still with the earlier "Crane" rear derailleur).

Components, (steel) tubing, and paint, of course, determine the model changes. The essential factor of any bike is therefore material and build. Somehow the Japanese got the Fuji Newest insanely “right” -- even today the ride of a Newest is 100% memorable. The aspect that made these bicycles remarkable were the build geometry, the Tange tubing, the Suntour derailleur, the Suntour ratcheting shifters, and the Suntour rear cog sets. This combination of components, along with the remarkable Soyo tubular tires and to a lesser degree, the Ukai rims, produced a kind of integration that made an uncanny ride difference. The top line Fuji was a marvel; quite expensive but in terms of engineering bliss, sublime. There is little doubt that Campagnolo had better brakes and seatpost and Cranksets by a whisker over Sugino. These items lent a better look to the high end Italian machines. But where it counted: shifting and road feedback, the Newest was, as Fuji would later advertise, "simply better."

This example is a "modified" 1B: I used grey suede Fujita Bar Wrap; and the magnificent NuBuck Fujita saddle which Brian L. graciously traded to me after sourcing a New Old Stock example from Japan. The hubs are wonderful Sansine (Sanshine/Sunshine) Pro Am large flange, truly as smooth as butter; you would think they have sealed ceramic bearing balls and races. No, just silky smooth engineering precision. This Newest is essentially the best from Japan prior to the advent of Suntour Groupo leadership, then all becomes more uniformly branded. I find a great deal of satisfaction in those years prior to Gruppos (despite the fact that the designer in also drawn by the beauty of a consistent component group and branding on the bicycle).

All images taken with Fuji-film and converted to high resolution digital files. The Fuji Newest 1Bs simply sparkle. The chrome (which covers the entire frame) is well adhered, generous in thickness and beautifully polished. The paint is magnificent. Fuji did not get the last mile detailing up to the very best of the rest of the world, pin-striping and some final decal work could have been a touch better; but the livery and graphics are a perfect blend of reserve and showmanship. Truly one of the great machines to emanate from the land of the Rising Sun.

Frequent contributer and friend Brian went out to search for America and came back with a gem. Included were the original Fujita Pro saddle, Fuji bottle and Primus pump, dork disk and reflectors. Considered "the premium touring bicycle" in it's day, it's a must have for any Fuji affectionados collection. Remember to check out Brian's website:

A collection of Fuji catalogs that I own, some of them are very recent and not really considered vintage or classic. I'm sure our appreciation for them will grow over time ... Full scans of numbers 12, 13, 16, 17, 19 and 20 are available at www.classicfuji.com. When time allows I'll start scanning the contents of the remaining years.

Some images of two Fuji jerseys from the '80's, a rare Fujita jersey with a beautiful honey colored Fujita "Professional Super" saddle and a great Fuji cycling cap. Thanks to all that contributed these items!

Purchased from it's original owner in Florida via Craigslist, it came perfectly priced and packaged. Other than the tubular tires, 100% original. It didn't need a polish, a wipe or a dust off. Words won't do it justice.

Last spring I posted some images of my 1981 Fui Professional, today, just some additions.

www.vintagefuji.posthaven.com/1981-fuji-professional

I came across some Suntour rim and tire covers on eBay a few months back. Seeing that the color scheme matched the newly completed Professional perfectly, I couldn't resist. They're used to keep grit, debris and UV light off the delicate tubulars tires while traveling or in storage. For me, they're just an added piece of Suntour history that I enjoy.

The last picture in the series is what is at my back when I photograph my Fujis. It's a private beach club building with a considerable overhang with very open shade. The view in the photo is looking straight to the southeast. Bright, yes, but never too contrasty. In the summer, it's closed off to the public, in the winter the sun is so low there is never any shade. So my time there is very limited due to the seasons, weather and other restrictions.